The Slask Polish Song and Dance Ensemble, on stage Sunday at Proctors, takes its name from a region of Poland that, over many centuries, was occupied by Czechoslovakia, Germany and Austria — creating a rich cultural stew.

Founded in 1953 by composer, educator and writer Stanislaw Hadyna, the troupe first focused on preserving folk traditions from this region, distinguished by their distinctive rhythms and melodies.

Over the decades, however, they have expanded their repertoire to include song and dance from throughout Poland, as interpreted by Hadyna and founding choreographer Elwira Kamińska.